Simon even got a surprise as he left the hospital Wednesday: About 40 firefighters from several different departments lined the hallway of the burn unit to help send off Simon in style.

“It was a really nice show of support from several departments in the area, “ Volk said.

Simon was working on the second floor of the two-story residence on Grove Street when he became disoriented and separated from the rest of the crew in heavy-smoke conditions, fire officials said.

Simon apparently ran out of air and had to remove his regulator, thus forcing him to inhale hot gases, officials said.

Simon got to a front window, and firefighters were able to get a ladder to him to get him out of the burning home. Simon was then airlifted to Saint Barnabas, where he was initially listed in serious condition.